MumCentre's Blog

Did you know that your offcially pregnant 2 weeks after the Last Menstrual Period if You have a regular Cycle? with conceptio, Your body is beggining to change to prepare for the growing embryo.

1st Month

Your Baby:

• Has developed from a single cell to an embryo • Already has hereditary characteristics

• Already has a gender (determined by father's sperm) • Is protected by amniotic fluid

• Is shaped like a tadpole with a head and body plus tiny spots for ears, eyes and nose

• Little protrusions begin to form. They will later develop into arms and legs • The heart begins to beat (around the 25th day)

• Major organs such as brain, eyes, mouth, inner ears and digestive system begin to develop.

CHANGES

• You would have missed your period • Morning sickness is setting in • Strong smells like garlic and eggs may give you nausea

• Your breasts begin feeling sore/tender • Your body is making hormones necessary for pregnancy

• The placenta (the foetus' lifeline) is forming

• Although your uterus is growing, the change is not obvious enough for you to see or feel it

• At this stage, you will not have gained any pregnancy weight.

Things To DO:

• If you have an older child, explain what's happening to him/her

• Choose an O&G (obstetrics and gynaecology) specialist for your prenatal care • Record your due date and begin a pregnancy folder. Whenever your doctor conducts ultrasounds, save the images of your baby and other important documents in this folder

• Refrain from taking any medicines unless allowed by your doctor

• Begin taking prenatal supplements (e.g. folic acid, iron) as prescribed by your doctor • Avoid cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, X-ray machines, harsh chemicals, pesticides and so on as they can cause serious birth defects

• Reduce consumption of caffeinated drinks like colas, coffee and tea • Eat balanced meals - include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day - and drink sufficient water

• Share your anxieties, if any, with your spouse, family and friends. Develop a support group among pregnant friends if necessary.

2nd Month

Morning sickness may be more pronounced as will be tiredness as hormones begin taking their toll.

Your Baby:

• Is about 18mm long and weighs about 3g*

• Floats in the amniotic sac

• What were tiny buds in the previous month are now gradually forming into fingers, elbows, knees and toes

• Major body organs and systems are already developing

• Bones begin to harden and the spinal cord begins to develop

• Facial features begin to form

• The foetus' shape is still like a tadpole with a short tail that will gradually disappear in the coming months.

Changes:

• Nausea that comes in waves throughout the day but more noticeable in the mornings

• Sore, tingling breasts

• More tired, less energetic

• Possible weight gain

Things to do:

• Follow all prenatal appointments religiously

• Discuss what physical, urine and blood tests are needed with your doctor. Go through the results and clear any doubts you may have

• Consult your doctor about how much weight gain is healthy for your body

• Perform simple and safe stretching exercises to stay fit and improve energy levels

• Take brief naps to stay energetic. Put your feet up as often as possible

• Add about 300 calories to your normal dietary intake. Ensure that you are getting enough calcium, protein, zinc, iron, folic acid and fibre

• Keep simple and healthy snacks on hand (e.g. plain crackers) to curb nause

• Inform your employer and ask about the company's maternity leave policies.

MONTH 3

You are now completing your first trimester of pregnancy. Morning sickness will be gradually fading away for other changes to take its place.

Your Baby

• Is now officially a foetus (previously, an embryo) and begins looking distinctly like a human baby

• Is about 9cm in length and weighs about 45g*

• Teeth buds and lips are forming, able to squint and frown

• Vocal cords and taste buds are developing

• Eyelids formed but sealed shut

• Tiny ear buds formed

• The genitals are forming

• Kicks and makes a fist

• Organs are forming

• Soft, rubbery muscles grow to support organs.

Changes in your body

You are now completing your first trimester of pregnancy. Morning sickness will be gradually fading away for other changes to take its place. Your baby:

• Is now officially a foetus (previously, an embryo) and begins looking distinctly like a human baby • Is about 9cm in length and weighs about 45g*

• Teeth buds and lips are forming, able to squint and frown • Vocal cords and taste buds are developing

• Eyelids formed but sealed shut

• Tiny ear buds formed • The genitals are forming

• Kicks and makes a fist • Organs are forming

• Soft, rubbery muscles grow to support organs.

Changes in your body:

• You may experience more obvious weight gain as well as increase in waist and breast size

• You may be able to feel a slightly rounded belly

• Weight of uterus on bladder increases urge to urinate

• You may notice thicker, white vaginal discharge

• You may experience increased exhaustion

• Nausea may still be present but may not be as frequent as previous months.

Things to do:

• If any of your bodily changes worry you, let your doctor know • Don't go thirsty just to avoid going to the bathroom. Keep drinking about eight glasses of water a day!

• Keep exercising. Continue doing light stretching or try prenatal yoga. You can also go for walks around your neighbourhood

• Use a panty liner if the discharge makes you uncomfortable

• Start shopping for maternity clothes and lower-heeled shoes

• Start saving money for baby and nursery items.

Source:

MumCentre Singapore